Top 5 Benefits of Aloe for Skin Cells

by EarthsDaughter AdminNovember 02, 2015

Did you know your skin is actually your body’s largest organ? According to National Geographic, “adults carry some 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of it.” As the outer layer of cells covering your body, your skin has a tremendous effect on your appearance, and it can make a major impact on your health. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases urges people to take better care of their skin: “It hold body fluids in, preventing dehydration, and keeps harmful microbes out—without it, we would get infections. Your skin is full of nerve endings that help you feel things like hot, cold, and pain…Since your skin plays such an important role in protecting your body, you should keep it as healthy as you can.” One way to keep your skin strong and beautiful is by using Aloe Vera gel. This millennias-old natural treatment can help your skin look, feel, and function at its best. Read on to learn the top five benefits of Aloe for skin cells.

1. Its can help fortify the skin against infection.

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against viruses and bacteria. Aloe Vera contains Salycylic acid, hormones, and other compounds that kill harmful microorganisms. Its natural antibacterial properties take some slack off of the skin cells, enhance their shielding capabilities, and speed the healing of scrapes. In addition, the magnesium lactate in Aloe Vera can help you stop itching any acne, scabs, burns, or other injuries so you don’t break the skin and make yourself more vulnerable to infection.

2. Aloe Vera helps skin cells heal and regenerate.

Probably the most popular use of Aloe Vera gel is to heal sunburns. People also sometimes use this plant-based product for hair loss and conditioning. According to Listovative, “it contains…proteolitic enzymes which help eradicate dead skin cells.” Using Aloe Vera gel on your skin can help slough off damaged skin cells to make way for new, healthier ones to grow. This substance is particularly good for scalp skin because “it has keratolic action that also breaks down the sebum and dead scalp cells too.” Furthermore, Livestrong reports: “Aloe Vera appears to increase the speed of wound healing and activate the immune cells responsible for fighting off infection, allowing a burn or wound to heal quickly and cleanly.”

3. It has antioxidant properties to help prevent free radicals from harming skin cells.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause abnormal cell development. Since they have an odd number of electrons, they behave somewhat unpredictably and can disrupt the structure of surrounding cells, as well. Free radicals can damage skin cells. Their cumulative effects can give your skin an older appearance, cause discoloration, and even increase your risk for serious conditions such as cancer. Antioxidants help fight free radicals by lending their “extra” electrons to cells, stabilizing them. Overstock explains: “Aloe Vera contains flavonoids, which are known to be antioxidants.” Works With Water also notes: “Aloe leaves have antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C and E,” boosting this effect.

4. Aloe Vera tightens, firms, and smoothes skin cells.

Collagen is an important compound found naturally in connective tissue. According to Overstock, it is “a protein that is important to the structure and elasticity of the skin.” Using topical Aloe Vera gel can rejuvenate your skin because “fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for manufacturing collagen, can be stimulated by Aloe Vera.” This gel is also a natural astringent, tightening the cells so they become firmer (and less acne-prone). For these reasons, many people use Aloe Vera along wrinkle lines, under their eyes, and on areas with larger pores.

5. It easily permeates skin cells to bring them moisture and nutrients.

According to Works With Water, “due to aloe’s high water content (over 99 percent water), it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin.” Aloe Vera gel also contains dozens of helpful hormones, enzymes, and other compounds that can strengthen skin cells. Livestrong explains: “When applied directly, it readily penetrates the skin and acts to increase the amount of oxygen brought to skin cells,” among its “wealth of [other] active constituents.”